Noia

Pertinent Information
5 -6 yrs old
59 lb. Fawn Female
Natural Ears & Docked Tail
UTD and Spayed
Good with Other Dog, but no birds & NO CATS
Owner Surrender
Being Fostered in Livonia, New York
Adoption Donation $250

8/18/05 - Babygirl (no longer Noia), is doing very well. She has an appointment with her new vet on Monday. She walks her foster parents about 2 miles/day; eats three times a day (for a total of 4 cups); takes at least one nap/day; and sleeps through the night on which ever couch seems to be the most comfortable (her foster-to-adopt parents don't mind which couch she chooses). Babygirl is looking forward to being adopted by her foster parents within a week or two. They LOVE her and are so thankful that BAR was able to get them together.

8/15/05 - From Noia - I had a very good night. Slept in the same room as these two new people on a big "pillow" on the floor. I am eating at my leasure - don't feel too hungry.
I have been outside for several walks, marked every spot I could! They have some large windows that I can see out without having to go outside- love them!
I'll let my new friend, Sue take over here, because I need a nap.

8/14/05 - A family who was already approved to adopt from BAR is now fostering Noia with the possibility of adopting her. She was transported today from Colchester, CT to Livonia, NY. Below are the comments of the transporters and her new foster family. A big thank you to all who made this transport possible, especially Michele from the Boxer Canine Underground Railroad.

From Felix & Bette: Pick up at John Gagnon's Dog House went great. Noia was such a good girl on leash. She only had a problem with another dog in the lobby and it may just have been because she was excited to see another dog. Noia slept for most of the ride to Springfield. Met Michele at the Holyoke Mall and the drop-off worked out very well. Hope Noia has the stamina for her trip to her forever home. She is such a sweetie and she deserves nothing but the best.

From Noia's New Foster Parents, Sue & Tim: Thank you so much for all your help. We are so happy to have our beautiful "angel" home.
We stopped briefly in Utica to introduce Noia to our daughter, and did not arrive home till about 7:30. Noia did extremely well with the trip- sleeping quite a bit of the way. She is at this moment jumping around tossing a ball with Tim. She is so playful! I hope she is not so well rested that she is up during the night. I am sure we will do just fine. God Bless All of You

8/7/05 - Unfortunately after almost 2 yrs, Noia has been returned to BAR. If ever there are good owner surrender's, this was a good one. He was a generous man, with all of her treats, her special toys, food bowl, dog food and heartworm medicine going with her, plus her feeding and heartworm pellet schedule. I tried to say to him that there was nothing wrong with realizing you aren't the right home for a dog and responsibly giving the dog a second chance somewhere else, but he still looked very sad. Noya was oblivious and just a very happy, bouncy girl. She was very sweet. Didn't really sit the whole way down (one hour). A smooth trip for my part, a rough one for the owner getting to the place where they decided to give her back, I think. Since BAR did not have a foster available, Noia is staying at John Gagnon's Dog House Resort in Colchester, CT where she will be evaluated by their competent staff and hopefully we will be able to move her to a foster home in the near future.

9/28/03 - Well, I can't believe it has only been a week! Noia has really adapted so well it seems she been with us forever!
She's doing really well at the Bender household, and has fallen right into our routine. She very good with both our children, my four year old just loves when she follows him around our house! She has free range of our whole house as she's has had any accidents and doesn't exhibit any destructive behavior. She loves our walks around the neighbor cul-de-sac. There are two dogs that are in electric fences that come out to bark at us but she always remains calm and keeps walking. Good job, Noia!

9/22/03 - I wanted to let you know that Noia is doing GREAT! She had a good night last night, no barking or whining:) we did put the gate across the kitchen to the living room but she had the run of the kitchen and the option of sleeping in the bathroom.

8/10/03 - I live close to a lake and the other day I decided to see what Noia's reaction to the water would be. I took her down to the boat launch to see what she would do. I waded into the lake coaxing Noia in as I went in....she was definitely NOT happy about it. I coaxed her into the water with her leash until her feet just barely came off the bottom and found out that Noia is NOT a swimmer. With her feet only inches from the bottom, Noia sank like a rock. I pulled her up and floated her in to where she was just wading. I laughed as she snorted and sniffed and shook her head, clearing her face of the water. I couldn't believe that she sank that fast in water that was only a little higher than my knees. Good thing it was a really hot day, so she did get cooled off, but Noia was not a happy camper about the whole thing and let me know by pulling me out of the water by her leash. She was highly insulted that not only did I subject her to this awful experience, but I laughed at her to boot. I made it up to her by walking her around the wooded area of the boat launch and letting her sniff and snuffle through the woods for about 15 minutes...one of her favorite things to do.

8/2/03 - Today on our walk, we stopped and chatted with my neighbors. We stood there and talked for about 20 minutes. While we adults talked, children from the ages of 11 to 2 came up to say hello to Noia. Not all of the children (especially the small ones, as to be expected) approached quietly. No matter how they approached her Noia stood, all fours on the ground, and let each and every child approach and pet her. A couple of them even got soft gentle kisses. Noia would be a wonderful family dog as she just loves children. And she has come such a long way in learning not to jump up on people in her excitement of meeting them. So if you're looking for a devoted companion for your family, Noia's your girl.

7/28/03 - Today Noia took a big step, she went to Doggie Day Care to see how she would do with lots of other dogs. SHE DID GREAT!!!!! Not knowing how Noia would react with the other dogs, we waited while John Gagnon, animal behaviorist and the owner of "John's Dog House", brought her into the play area. Within 5 minutes, John was back saying she was already in and playing with the other dogs. Noia stayed at day care from 9 a.m. til 2 p.m. I talked to the attendant for the day care when I picked Noia up and he said she did fine with ALL of the other dogs. The dogs there were all of various sizes and ages and there even were 3 other boxers there and Noia did fine with all. The attendant said that at one point she was playing with two small puppies and got playing a little too rough, but stopped immediately when she was told to stop. He said that he didn't see ANY dog aggressions with Noia at all. KUDOS TO NOIA!!!!!
Let's just add this to Noia's list of "good" things, such as: 1. you can leave her alone in the house day or night, uncrated, and nothing is disturbed or chewed when you come home. 2. Noia has NEVER had an accident in the house, EVER!! 3. Noia is wonderful and loving with all people and especially loves kids. 4. And, lastly, Noia is an absolutely beautiful dog. She is pure muscle and people have stopped me when we're out walking and commented on what a gorgeous girl she is.
What more could a person want in a pet?

7/16/03 - Sorry for the delay in Noia's updates. She's been here for awhile and we no longer feel like she is a guest here. She fits in with me and Brittany and my extended family so well that she has become a member of the family.
Noia is still working on her socialization skills with other dogs. She has met another of BAR's foster dogs, Avalanche, and, after an hour or so of them meeting and sniffing through the gate, she has become friends with him on our visits to his foster home. Once or twice a week we try to get all the dogs together in the fenced in yard to play. Noia plays well with all five of them together, but really likes to run with Avalanche. She has come such a long way in this area. I think Noia would do well in a home with another dog, but it would depend on the dog and if Noia felt threatened by the other dog. Some dogs she responds well to and with others it's a "no go" right from the beginning.
Noia is still an "absolutely no cats" girl. However on our daily walks, a cat can now cross the road in front of us or be in a yard that we pass without Noia lunging at the leash. A simple quiet "NO" or "HEEL" keeps her in check. I would definaiely not trust Noia "off leash" with a cat in the vicinity.
OK, that's the bad part, now for the good. Noia is a "PEOPLE" girl. She has welcomed into my house both familiar and unfamiliar people with the same kidney bean, bowing, wiggle that my family finds so funny. She has the same "YAY, PEOPLE ARE HERE!! WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE" greeting for my family and friends as well as the carpenter and the furnace repairman. Noia is doing much better with keeping her feet on the floor for these greetings as she tends to jump when she's excited and has to be reminded to stay down.
This is a girl that absolutely eats up affection. Noia will sit next to you and let you pet, rub, and smooch her as long as you'd like. She is very responsive to praise and would do well with someone that would continue to work with her on her obedience. I know if you're reading this you might tend to pass over Noia because she's been in rescue so long. Don't let that color your thoughts against her....don't forget, she was very ill when she first came into rescue. Noia is a wonderful girl and if given half a chance, she would go out of her way to please you.

6/5/03 - Hi again, Noia here. My foster Mom sometimes calls me Annoya, but it's only a joke, I'm not really annoying and she says it out of love. I feel special that she has a nickname for me, just like has for Britty...she calls her "NitWitBrit."

Here's what I like: squeaky toys, rawhide bones, my friends-Britty, Payson and Robi and a good romp in the fenced-in yard with them, soft, plush toys, lots and lots of affection, rides in the car, walks on my leash, Scooby Snacks, little people, visitors, all people in general, sleeping on the people bed, and yogurt.

Here's what I don't like: CATS!! and all small furry creatures, birds in the backyard, other dogs - unless I can take a long, slow time getting to know them, and someone shouting at me.

Gee, there should be a home out there that I could fit into....my "like" list is a lot longer than my "don't like" list.

Here's a note from my foster mom: I have totally fallen in love with this wonderful girl. She has the most beautiful soulful expression in her eyes. She's very, very smart...learns quickly and responds well to gentle training. I will send in new pics soon, so you all can see how gorgeous this girl is.

5/30/03 - Just wanted to let you all know how Miss Noia is with strangers. For the last 2 days I've had 4 furnace repairmen arrive to give me estimates on replacing my furnace. Noia greeted the first 2 repairmen by barking and jumping up on the door. Upon opening the door and allowing them in, Noia did her very best crab-walk/kidney bean dance. Today's repairmen didn't even get a bark as both Britty and Noia were taking their morning nap in the sun spots on the living room floor. Even being surprised by the arrival of the repairmen, Noia again greeted them with her famous dance. As my furnace is a wall unit in the living room, the repairmen had to endure Noia kisses as they bent down to inspect the furnace unit. All four repairmen loved her. Noia has now been dubbed Chairpup of the Welcoming Committee for Britty's Boarding House.

5/23/03 - Hi everyone, Noia here. My foster mom decided that I could say hello to everyone and let you all know how I'm doing here at Britty's House........I've decided to just unpack my bag and stay here until my forever family finds me.

Britty and I have become "girl friends." Even when I'm tied out on the run, she comes out and hangs out with me and we run back and forth on the run and box each other and just have fun. Unfortunately I have to be on the dog run because there's no fence here, but it's a really long run and I can get a good gallop going before I get to the end. A fenced yard would be wonderful for me, then I could just run and run and run......my foster mom says I run like a gazelle, whatever that is.

Today foster mom had man friend visit, haven't seen one of those here before. I barked when he came to the door, but when he came in I did my very bestest crab-walk/kidney bean/elbow macaroni dance. Mom told me after that he used to have Boxers when he was younger. He really liked me and said that I was just beeeeeutiful. I just LOVE when company comes....men, ladies, kids, it doesn't matter. I just get so excited to meet new people and they all laugh when I do my dance.

Yesterday Mom slept a little late and I really had to go outside (if you know what I mean) so I just had to wake her up. I jumped up on the bed and stood over her and just kept tap, tap, tapping her on the shoulder with my paw to wake her up. She rolled over so I had to tap, tap, tap her on the back.....whew, I really had to go and I thought she'd never get up. Haven't had an accident here yet and I'm not going to start now.

I really like it here, but mom says what I need is my own family to love. I have lots of love to give. I absolutely love hugs and kisses. And little people? They are my favorites!! There are two little peoples that come to visit here and I just love them.

So, if you're looking for the best boxer wiggle, and lots of boxer affection, and a devoted friend for your family, you can find me here at Britty's Boarding House. I'll be hanging out here till we get your call. Love, Noia

5/13/03 - While her foster mom is on vacation, Miss Noia has come to stay at Britty's Boxer Boarding House. Noia has stayed here before for a few days and I cannot believe the difference in this dog from that time until now. For one thing, she's much healthier now and has the most beautiful burnished copper colored coat. But the biggest change is in her personality. Before I had to keep Noia gated from Britty as Noia was very exuberant in her greetings and we weren't sure of her intentions. Now Miss Noia has complete run of the house (with Britty), and there have been absolutely NO issues. The only time that I separate them is when they are eating, but that's only a precaution on my part, as they have no problem sitting side by side to get cookies (yes, she sits AND gives paw for cookies). And, don't tell her foster mom, but Noia has not been sleeping in her crate, but has decided she likes sharing my bed with myself and Britty much better than she likes the crate.

5/6/03-Wow, is all I can say on how well Miss Noia is doing here at The Boxer Wings Cottage. This is one very sweet, happy, playful and very healthy girl. Noia is now loose in the house with my 6yr. old dominant male and my opinionated 5yr old female and they are doing just great together. They play well together, but I think Noia is happiest when playing outside and spending time with myself or my 76yr old mother, whom Noia just adores. Although it seemed at first that Noia was not to social with other dogs, I have found with careful introductions and confident dogs, she is just fine. She wants and loves to run with them around the yard but has also accepted corrections made by both of my own dogs, which means her social skills have definitely improved over the weeks she has been here. I really can't say enough good things about this girl. I have left her loose for several hours confined to my kitchen and dining room while I left the house and not a single items was disturbed, and Noia is crate trained as well as potty trained. Noia would do just as well in a quiet home as she would in a very active one, providing she is very much a part of the family. Noia would be just as happy driving down the highway as she would jogging around the block or park. So, if you are looking for a boxer who loves people, kids, activity and life, this is the girl for you.

4/29/03-Our little Miss Noia has been doing very well this week following her spay. Her incision looks great, and she is back to feeling like a new dog. She is bouncy, playful and full of energy. Today she decided to give our hanging Jolly Ball a try, she reared up on her back legs, batted it with her front feet in true boxer fashion which was the funniest thing to watch, then proceeded to ignore it the rest of the time. Noia loves to run, and I do mean run, around the fenced back yard, totally enjoying the freedom she hasn't had in her past. This girl with obedience training, would make a great jogging partner. Noia loves to ride in the car, especially watching the scenery go by, she is always ready to go whenever you are. Are you ready to give Noia everything she's dreamed of...?

4/24/03-Great news for Miss Noia, she is now spayed, and we did have an EKG done on Noia due to her Arrythmia and heart murmer when she arrived in rescue due to her Heartworm Positive condition. NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH Miss Noia is now HEARTWORM NEGATIVE and has no signs whatsoever of Arrythmia or heart murmur. Proof positive that this is one very healthy girl and she is now ready for her very own home. Noia is a wonderfully happy and energetic girl who has a lot of love and personality to share with someone who is ready to open their heart and home to this very special girl. We have found that she loves children, although she can be a little energetic with someone under 4 yrs of age, she tends to bat at them with her feet and gets very playful with them. No harm intended, but she just hasn't been exposed to very young kids. As for children who don't mind her wish to play, well this girl would quickly take to children over 7 or more years of age and will give her heart and soul to a loving family. A home with no kitty's and lots of love is just what this girl is looking for.

4/21/02 - Our little Miss Noia is at the vets today being spayed. First, I would like to let everyone know, that this is one very healthy active girl these last few weeks, but, because of her recent heartworm treatment we are taking some extra precautions for Noia before being spayed. So she went to our vet on Easter Sunday to have presurgery blood work and an EKG to confirm her heart is in good health for her spay surgery. This girl may have had a rough few months undergoing heartworm treatment, but she is strong, happy, healthy and very energetic these last few weeks. What is also interesting to see, is Noia's shedding process is revealing a beautiful burnished red coat. When Noia arrived in rescue, he coat was different from many boxers that I've seen, as she had what appeared to be a downy undercoat (short though it was), but all this is gradually shedding out, and what is underneith this downy fur is the most beautiful burnished red, healthy new fur. Noia has also been able to interact more with other dogs over the last few weeks, and I have found that although Noia does well with my dominant male Pace, all of our introductions have been over very long periods of time of getting to know each other thru gates and crates. Upon first meeting another dog, Noia can be very strong and needs to work some on her social skills, not because she is agressive, but because she has no clue how to go about introducing herself. Obedience training along with lots of love will make a big difference with this girl. She has an OUTSTANDING kidney bean which will bring a smile to your face and heart when she greets you. She is crate trained, and has improved on her "come here" command. When Noia first arrived, if you said "come", she flew in the opposite direction like someone set fire to her tail. So, we worked with the command "here" and with patience and using tiny pieces of cheese for rewards, this girl now responds to "come here" very well. She sits, gives paw, and has outstanding kisses. Are you going to be that special person to get all those wonderful boxer kisses?

4/13/03 - Hey everyone, it's me Noia. Phew, trying to wrestle this computer away from Foster Mom is really hard. Just thought I'd tell you all how great I am feeling, thanks to Boxer Angels Rescue taking me for my Heartworm treatments, and then I had to get rid of those hook worms as well. But I am feeling wonderful now, I have a lot more energy and I just love playing with all the toys they have here at The Boxer Cottage. I discovered 3 toy boxes chuck full of toys, and I show the Nana person just how long it takes me to empty one, all over the living room. Since the Nana person came back from Florida, I showed her how I can help vaccumn the house too. I had to make sure that the mean machine stays under control, although, the Nana person kept telling me it wasn't going to attack her and I didn't have to keep standing between her and the "mean machine". Well, I just had to make sure it wasn't going to suck that nice Nana person up and stuff her in a bag. Well with Spring here, I am now spending more time outside, and sunning myself on the deck really feels nice and warm, especially after a good run around the yard, I'm definitly getting used to this life, and I like it. Here are just a few of the things I like best. Kidney bean dancing, playing with the big white boy Pace, following the Nana person around the house, visitors coming over, car rides, walks, chasing squirrels, eating cookies, snuggling on the sofa, and just being with a family. I like kids, yeah, I really like kids alot. So I'm going to make an Easter wish, and I'm going to wish for my very own family who will love me as much as I love them. I am being spayed on April 21, so I will be ready to go to my forever home in just a few weeks. Are you ready for me?

4/8/03 - Miss Noia finally had the opportunity to meet my 75 yr. old mother, as she just returned from Florida, and she was greeted by the most impressive kidney bean dance from this lovable girl. I'm not sure I mentioned before just how impressive Noia's kidney bean dance is, and how flexible she is, bending completely in half and walking sideways at the same time. And if you tell her what a good girl she is, well this girl will also reward you with a very impressive "wiggle butt". Needless to say, Noia is very loving, very friendly and very outgoing with everyone she meets. Are you ready to receive all this love generated from this beautiful girl?

4/5/03 - Greetings from The Boxer Wings Cottage. We got some great news about Noia this week, she is doing great. She had a short visit with Dr. Geer on Thursday, and her heart sounds are very good, and NO ARRYTHMIA was detected this time. This being 6 weeks since her first heartworm treatment and 2 weeks since her 2nd back to back treatment, and as a result Noia will be able to be spayed in 4 more weeks. Now about her over all attitude, well this girl is feeling 100% better, and has become quiet the active little lady. Today when we went outside she raced, and I mean raced around the yard, she would have given a greyhound a true run for his money, and at the end of this grand display of energy there was not a single cough or display of rapid breathing. I would also like to point out that Miss Noia loves to go for car rides and does a little tap dance with her toes when she sees me reach for the leash and car keys, she'll race to the door and tap dance away until I leash her and she hops into my truck and will ride for the longest time just watching out the window. And better yet, she is happy to stay while I take a quick run into a local store or while we waited at the vets office. She will make a wonderful traveler for anyone who is on the go, this girl will keep right up with you. At this time we also know she is very good with kids over 10 yrs old, and we are going to see this weekend how she is with younger children, but I really have no worries there. Noia seems just as comfortable with both men and women and she also loves to cuddle on the sofa with you and will also sleep in a bed on the floor. As for toys, this girl could never have enough toys to play with, stuffed toys, squeaky toys, chew bones, to her they are all tossable items. There is nothing she likes better than tossing these things in the air and pouncing on them when they fall. She does fetch very well, and even gives the toy up easily when she knows you will toss it for her again and again. So, are you ready to give this girl the love and life she longs for? In return she will give you years of devotion and total unlimited love.

3/21/03 - Well Noia had her last vet visit with Dr. Stewart to receive her final Heartworm treatment injection of Immiticide, we did get some good news, Noia has gained 12 lbs. over her 4 week period of recuperation, and her lung sounds were very good. Although she still has some Arrythmia there was a remarkable improvement in it since her first injection. It is also heartworm related, so we are hoping for it to be totally gone once she is free of heartworms. This has been a long process for Noia, but she has been a real trooper about all of it. Again the key for Noia now, is to remain very quiet and recuperate, this is the hard part as well, since Noia is now feeling better she wants to play and socialize with my boxers, and she is unable to do so for another 4 weeks yet. At that time she will visit our local vet for a re-evaluation of her Arrythmia and determine when she may be safely spayed and ready for her forever home. In the mean time, Noia is very happy to see visitors and demonstrates her outgoing nature to whoever comes over to see us. Unfortunately Noia is definitely NOT FELINE FRIENDLY, but she just loves people of all shapes and sizes, and is going to make someone a great companion.

3/12/03 - Seems that little Miss Noia is turning out to be quiet the little energetic girl, with lots of personality. She does fetch the "Wholly Roller ball" and will drop it for you to to toss it again. Of course right now, she is limited to it being only rolled across the floor, but she loves that idea, and will bring it back to you over and over again. She also is very playful, and will try to entice you into playing by batting you with her front feet in the typical boxer fashion. The hard part for Noia right now is that she really can't play, as this could cause complications with her heartworm treatment, but we are definately looking forward to the day that she can really let loose and play like she wants to. Noia has also shown how much she wants to please people, and how much she loves visitors, male and female, and so far, she is totally convinced that whoever comes over, has come just to see her. When this girl does a kidney bean dance her nose touches her tail (the little nubbin)and she gets so excited, and she just can't get enough of people, and I can tell she just can't wait to try playing with my two boxers. But again, that will have to wait just a few more weeks as she will be getting the second round of her heartworm treatment in just 5 more days. We will keep you all posted on how well this girl is doing so stay tuned to read her updates, she is going to make some family very happy when she is ready to GO HOME.

3/4/03 - Hello everyone, my oh my has Miss Noia undergone a vast change in the last week. Her upper respiratory infection is gone, and she has actually been cough free for more than 24 hours. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to hear her play and bark all without a constant racking cough, to return from her little jaunts out to the back yard to do her business and NO COUGH. When Noia arrived to us, she was so sick that not a minute went by that she didn't cough, even in her sleep she coughed non stop. It was so sad to hear. But, no longer. Today she was playing in the house (by herself) tossing the toys in the air, pouncing on them, and just having a ball for herself, and the whole time, not the slightest bit winded or signs of shortness of breath. She is eating very well, and what a good girl she is about her food. Noia is housebroken, and does know "sit" and "paw". She definitely needs work on leash walking, but she is a very smart girl, and will do very well with obedience training. Since the word "come" still causes her some alarm, I now work with the word "here" instead, and she is doing very well with this. Although Noia is now showing signs of wanting to play with my boxer babies, she is still restricted, as I am cautious with her still being under heartworm treatment, I don't want to see her get either over excited or chance any type of disagreement, so for now they are still separated by gates or crate. Though she does wag her little nubbin of a tail when she sees them, we will remain careful with her. And as stated before, NO KITTY CATS for this girl. So far, I have found Noia to be a really great dog, who would love to snuggle on the sofa with you, play with toys, especially squeaky toys, soft ones and vinyl ones. Hopefully this weekend, we will see how well she does with children. Noia is a wonderful girl who is going to make a super companion for someone who will love this girl forever.

2/26/03 - Sorry it has been almost a week since we updated Noia, but she has since gone thru her first of 3 heartworm treatment shots and although she had a few very difficult days afterwards, Noia is handling the treatment well. It's hard to believe what these dogs have to go thru as far as treatment for HW positive, when it can all be avoided at the cost of $36-$40 dollars a year.
But on the positive side, Noia's cough is considerably better at this time, and her upper respiratory infection is all cleared up, and Noia is scheduled for her next and hopefully final treatment for heartworm on March 18th and 19th, where she will receive 2 treatments back to back. We have learned a little more about her personality though this week, and she is a really good dog. Noia is lacking in a few of her social graces, as she has tried to convince me that the word "come" meant to run in the opposite direction. Hmmm, well, we are working on this with special treats and so far, she is getting a little better in this area everyday. So far there has only been one potty accident in the house, and that was on her first day.
Due to Noia's health, we are not socializing with Pace and Robi, the resident boxers here, as she still needs to remain quiet, without undue stress of playing or disagreements, so that part will need to wait yet, but she has been fine seeing them thru the baby gate and crate without issues.
Noia has proven herself not good with the kitty cats though and would definitely need a "no cats home".
We have only had a few visitors this week, in compliance with keeping Miss Noia quiet, but she has been friendly with those that come in the house, wags her little nubbin and does a cute little kidney bean dance with both men and women so far. She also has a good appetite, at least a few days after her treatment that is. Noia is eating 8 cups of Purina One Lamb and Rice split up into 3 feedings a day, she could use to gain a little more than 10 lbs. but she is still in good weight and her coat is surprisingly soft. In Noia's case we don't want to pack the pounds on quickly, but over time, less shock and stress to her heart and body this way. But the way she is eating, I have no doubt we will accomplish this easily.
So please keep watching Noia's story and think about making her that special addition to your home and life.

2/18/03 - The Boxer Wings Cottage welcomed Noia this week to our facility, and she is a very sweet girl, a little shy, and still a little nervous, but sweet just the same. We did start Noia on antibiotics this week, as she has an upper respiratory infection, and this is causing her to cough and sneeze more than what is comfortable, the meds should have her feeling better soon. Noia is scheduled to start her heartworm treatment on 2/19/03 and again on 2/20/03, and we will keep everyone updated on her condition as we go forward with treatment. Noia can be playful, and loves squeaky toys, both stuffed and vinyl toys, and the only time I have heard her bark is when she is playing with her toys. She is eating well and drinking plenty of water and has only had 1 accident in the house so far. Noia crates well, and although she may whine a little when she first goes in, she quiets down within minutes and rests quietly after that. Due to being HW positive and having an upper respiratory infection I have not really allowed Noia to have much contact with my dogs, as the quieter she remains the better for her right now, but she has no immediate issues with seeing them behind a gate close by, or near her crate. So please wish Noia well on her treatment, we should have pictures in a day or too also, and we will do our best to keep you all informed as to how she is getting along over the next few weeks.

2/14/03 - Noia the boxer girl arrived safe and sound to the Boxer Wings Cottage. She's a very pretty fawn girl with a white chest, black mask, mini docked nubbin and natural ears. Unfortunately she also arrived with a racking cough indicative of her heartworm positive condition. Upon arrival to the cottage, she very nicely went into her crate where she found a peanut butter and marrow bone stuffed natural bone. She is now resting and enjoying her snack.

We will be scheduling Noia for her heartworm treatment and will keep everyone posted on how this girl handles her treatment over the next few weeks.

Thank you Gary for springing this special girl and giving her nice, safe, warm and comfortable accommodations until she could be moved here to the Boxer Wings Cottage.

2/12/03 - We have a temporary guest at the Wings & Halo Haven, and her name is Noia (pronounced NOYA). We picked her up from one of our favorite shelters on Long Island. Noia originally came in as a stray, but the owner called and said they would not be reclaiming her. The owner gave the shelter worker the following information over the phone: They had Noia for 3 1/2 years, and received her as a gift. She has not been spayed. She was kept as an outside dog most of the time, and stayed in a doghouse. She was kept on a chain, as they did not have a fenced in yard. She was even fed outside. She got some dog kibble and scraps of leftovers. She has been around children, ages 15 months and 7 yr old. She is very good around children. She has been around 2 other dogs, and can be protective over her area. She has NEVER been to a vet during the time they owned her. We will verify these in her foster care.

Ok, so by now I am pretty sick at what the shelter is telling me, and I am not the least bit surprised by the next bit of news when they tell me that poor Noia is heart worm POSITIVE :o(((( Poor girl, what a damn shame. She has several scars on her, with one under here heck, that has to be about 10 inches long. Looks like possibly a chain or something around here neck rubbing constantly. It is only under her neck, not on the top, so it is a bit bewildering. He ears are also pretty scarred. I will tell you though, this girl, although very timid at 1st, has a wonderful boxer spirit. I drove her home, and took her into the house. I prepared her a quick meal of Pro Plan, with yogurt and some fresh cold cuts. I bent down to show her what was in the bowl, and picked up a bit of cold cut to show her. Well, I don't think she knew exactly what I was doing, as she rose upon her hind legs and started swatting me with her front paws, in typical boxer fashion that we all know and love. I really got a kick out of her, but even with that little bit of play, she started this deep cough, definitely a result of the heartworm. I stopped the play immediately, and got her to eat. Even doing that she was a character. She would eat like 2 bites, drink some water, take a few more bites, and drink more water and so and and so on. What a character. After she finished I put her right into the crate. She is resting there now.

So, Noia, it is pretty safe to say your worst days are behind you. You will NEVER be left to live outside, and to eat outside. You WILL be in a warm home, get your necessary vet care, be loved and cherished from this day on. You deserve NOTHING less. We have arranged to get the needed heartworm treatment next week, as we begin the long road to recovery for this very sweet and deserving girl. Welcome to BAR Noia, and to a better life